A Reflection for Wednesday, December 4, 2024 by Leana Lopez
Lectionary reading for 12/4/2024: Psalm 90; Isaiah 1:24-31; Luke 11:29-32
Selected passage for reflection: Luke 11:29-32
Read
Luke 11:29-32
29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.
30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Reflect
What would you be willing to leave behind to uncover wisdom that could change your life? In Luke 11:29-32, Jesus tells the people in this passage to do as the Queen of the South, Queen Sheba. Queen Sheba traveled from the ends of the earth to seek Solomon’s wisdom. This queen, a woman of immense power and influence, stepped away from her throne for years, entering another culture, to seek understanding and truth. Her story is a lesson in humility, excellence, and the courage to follow where faith leads—even when it’s uncomfortable or costs us something.
As I reflect on her journey, I can’t help but think of my own experiences as a social service administrator. For the last 10 years, I worked in downtown offices with carefully curated plans and strategies, confident in the systems we were building to support underserved communities. But the truth is, transformation doesn’t happen in an “ivory tower.” The real wisdom, the real change, lies with the leaders already embedded in the work—those community organizers, faith-rooted elders, and neighbors who know what it means to live out resilience and faith every day.
The Queen of Sheba’s journey challenges me. She left the safety of her status and her palace to walk into a different world, one where she would not be in control but instead would have to learn. Similarly, I must leave my comfort and status to enter into spaces where the answers aren’t neat or easy. My calling was to go back to the real work, to sit with community leaders, some that I didn’t expect to learn from, the ones rooted in faith and living the work of justice and mercy. Their wisdom has stretched me, humbled me.
The Queen also inspires me with her spirit of excellence. She didn’t approach Solomon casually or with half-measures. She prepared—bringing thoughtful questions and intentional gifts. She reminds me to bring my best to every encounter, to check and recheck what I’m responsible for, and to honor the work God is doing through others by being fully present and prepared.
But what moves me most about her story is her follow-through. She didn’t just seek wisdom; she let it transform her. She returned home changed, her faith deepened by what she discovered. Her story is a call to action for all of us. We can’t stop at admiring wisdom from afar or dabbling in faith when it’s convenient. We’re called to step out, to engage deeply, and to let God’s truth shape how we live and lead.
Her story is also about trust—trusting that when we step out in faith, the journey will be worth it. Whether it’s crossing cultural lines, engaging with unexpected leaders, or simply opening ourselves to be taught, this kind of humility can change everything. It’s a reminder to me, and to all of us, to let go of what’s comfortable, to pay attention to the details of what God is calling us to, and to follow through with faithfulness.
May we all have the courage of the Queen of Sheba to humble ourselves, seek wisdom, and follow where God is leading us, even when it requires sacrifice. Because when we do, we too can experience the transformative power of God’s truth and the joy of living a life aligned with His purpose.
Respond
What would you be willing to leave behind to uncover wisdom that could change your life?Jesus tells us that something greater than Solomon is here. As the Queen of Sheba sought Solomon’s wisdom, how much more should we seek Jesus, the embodiment of God’s wisdom? And how often do we hesitate because it means leaving the comfort of our plans, our control, or even our status?
Rest
Lord, give us the courage to step outside our comfort zones, following your call to wisdom with humility and excellence, just as Queen Sheba did. May we trust You in the journey, and allow Your truth to transform us, leading us to faithfully follow where You lead. Amen.
About the Author
As a nonprofit and healthcare leader, I’ve dedicated my career to transforming behavioral health systems and advancing access to quality care for those who need it most. My journey has been shaped by a dedication to designing systems that serve vulnerable populations, ensuring that innovation and compassion intersect to improve lives. I have consistently driven meaningful change across diverse settings, from clinical operations to community health initiatives.
Today, as the Owner & CEO of Flex Therapy and Behavioral Health Services where I continue to focus on creating and consulting on innovative, collaborative approaches to care transformation. I work closely with communities and stakeholders to create culturally competent, data-driven solutions that improve outcomes for high-risk populations.
Beyond my work, I am passionate about creativity and its transformational power in both personal and professional life. I believe that creative thinking, whether through art, writing, or innovative problem-solving, can spark change, enhance well-being, and lead to breakthroughs in how we approach both challenges and opportunities.
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